WebTimings: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm Details. There are several options when it comes to how to get to Spinalonga and this covers all of them. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition. During the Hellenistic period or the Minoan years, the island was a stronghold of Olounites, which was built to protect the port of the ancient city Olous. When is the best time to visit Spinalonga? Winter: The site is closed. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. Spinalonga hosted hundreds of sufferers, who developed, with the suffering and deprivation, their own vibrant society. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. These are March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September and Oct. 28, as well as the first Sunday of every month from Nov.1 to March 31. The island has a historical significance as a leper colony, where people with leprosy were isolated from the rest of society. You will need to pay for all other costs like entrance fees, boat tickets and lunch, among others. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Phone: 30-2841041773. The historic site is closed during winter (Nov.1 to March 31) and only opens for the summer season (April 1 to Oct.31). Criterion(iv) : It is an important example of a seaward bastion-type fortress that portrays important phases of human history. It is very beautiful. After booking my 4-day trip to Crete, it took me about a minute to also book a Spinalonga tour from Heraklion.. Even today there are buildings from the period of the castle town, as two-storey houses with tall yard walls and shops with wide doors and large windows. Moreover, due to the leper hospital, Spinalonga is a monument to human pain. [8], Today, the uninhabited island is a popular tourist attraction in Crete. Different boats (several companies but one departure point) - generally smaller boats, Different boats (several companies but one departure point) - my boat was large enough and stable, Mix of free and not free carparks around town, The trips to Spinlaonga from Agios Nikolaos are more organized tours including a lunch and the opportunity to swim at one of the beaches along the way, For example you can start this tour from Agios Nikolaos, and it includes lunch and wine tasting -, Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads). Finally, I decided to go and see it. WebFind all the transport options for your trip from Plka to Spinalonga Island right here. The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. Its original name was Calydon, but the Venetians named it Spinalonga from the Venetian word Spina-Longa, which means long thorn. A day trip to Spinalonga costs between 39 and 146 per person. Ask a Question. No regular ferries; The trips to Spinlaonga from Agios Nikolaos are more organized tours including a lunch and the opportunity to swim at one of the beaches along the way; For example you can start this tour from Agios Nikolaos, and it includes lunch and wine tasting - check out program and book Elounda Bay, Elounda, Crete 72053, Greece, Firkas Fortress And Maritime Museum Of Crete. [citation needed], Spinalonga is under consideration to become a World Heritage Site. The best Cretan beaches. He created blockhouses at the highest points of the northern and southern side of the island, as well as a fortification ring along the coast that closed out any hostile disembarkation. JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps. The island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays. Love this? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with that. Tags: Island, Castle, Historical Site, Family And Kids. Leaving the capital city, enjoy a scenic drive to one of the nearby local villages where your boat to Spinalonga departs. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. It is very beautiful. "The Spinalonga Blues; notes from the field". All rights reserved, Useful Tips, Hints and Advice for Driving in Greece, When Is The Best Time To Visit Greece (A Locals Guide), The Perfect 3-Day Paros Itinerary for First Timers, The Perfect 3-Day Naxos Itinerary for First Timers. WebSpinalonga Opening Hours and Prices Opening Hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am 8.30 pm each day From Nov. 1st to Mar. Nicolaos 6 In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. WebSpinalonga discounts - what to see at Elounda - check out 5 reviews and 19 photos for Spinalonga - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Spinalonga Spinalonga attraction reviews - Spinalonga tickets - Spinalonga discounts - Spinalonga transportation, address, opening hours - attractions, hotels, and food near Spinalonga - Trip.com Email: efalas@culture.gr. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed There are annual days of the year when the entrance to the island is free. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. Later, Leper Hospital upgraded. Bring extra spending money for shopping, or lunch and entrance tickets if not included in the tour price. The first phase of construction lasted from 1579 until 1586. -. Entrance Fee (): 8, Reduced 4 Website: odysseus.culture.gr e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. The temples of St. Panteleimon and St. George were built during that period. The island is a fascinating monumental and historical palimpsest. Spinalonga is a small island located at the entrance of Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello. Start the day right in Heraklion with a hotel pickup and travel from nearby towns like Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga on the waters. The strategic location of the place made it a very important port and base during its hay day. Nicolaos 6 In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. Do read the book or watch the TV show (available in Greek with subtitles) before you go so that you understand the recent history of the island better and understand what youre seeing! The village flourished after the mid-19th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the largest Muslim commercial centre of Merabello Bay. [citation needed], The island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. Phone: +30 2841041773 Fax: +30 2841022462 Cheaper tours have group sizes of up to 15 travelers and do not include some ticket prices such as the Spinalonga entrance fee or boat rides. Entrance Fee: Adults 8.00, concession 4.00 How to get to Spinalonga WebSpinalonga (Greek: ) is an island located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka.The island is further assigned to the area of Kalydon.It is near the Spinalonga peninsula ("large Spinalonga") which often causes confusion as the same name is used for both.. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested Heading back to Heraklion in the late afternoon, transfer to your accommodation after a 10-hour day trip. WebTake a bus and boat tour from Heraklion, step back in time on a guided tour of Spinalonga, chill out on the beach in Kolokytha Bay, savor a delicious BBQ lunch, and have free time in Agios Nikolaos. WebOpening Hours: Summer: Daily 8:00-19:00. Ask a Question. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. Olous was the ancient town of Elounda, currently immersed under the strip of land that connects Elounda with the Peninsula of Kolokytha. Enter a church from the 12th century, built in the style of the Byzantine Empire. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. Spinalonga is an island with a rich history. There are no scheduled boat trips to Spinalonga in the winter, and you will have to find a boat owner to take you across. Time Required: 04:00 Hrs. In 1903, it was converted into a leper colony, where people with leprosy were sent to live in isolation from society. Finally, in 1957, with the discovery of antibiotics and after all lepers were cured, the leper colony closed and the island was deserted. In 1715, following a siege, the islet was surrendered to the Ottomans, the Venetian garrison left and the remaining 600 inhabitants were taken captive. Beneficiary entity | Nomad Celebration - Software, Unipessoal Lda. Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far WebFind all the transport options for your trip from Plka to Spinalonga Island right here. Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. The islet was fortified in antiquity, to protect the ancient city of Olous. The fortification architecture that was implemented and evolved on Spinalonga is an innovative application by the human mind of theory in practice. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. Another, version tells that the island got its name from a beautiful woman named Longa that was living in the fort. There, the visitor can hear incredible stories from people who lived or had relatives on the island. From there, you can either catch a boat to Spinalonga or transfer to a bus to Plaka or Elounda. Spinalonga is open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM during the summer season. The village flourished after the mid-19 th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the Holidays 1 January: closed 6 January: open by arrangement Shrove Monday: open by arrangement 25 March: closed The island was abandoned and became desolate, a place not to be spoken about as it was synonymous with suffering, although that didnt stop people from looting it Pieces of original Venetian and Ottoman architecture finding their way across to the luxury hotels in Elounda. The last inhabitant, a priest, left the island in 1962. Log in. WebOperating hours 10: 00- 19.00 hrs Snack: 10:00 19:00 Lunch: 12:00 19:00 VIEW MENU The Resorts cozy bars offer a majestic view of the surrounding area and the island of Spinalonga. A cistern from the Venetian areas, an some more recent ones. A boat ride is a no-go if its storming or rough out at sea. The small island of Spinalonga is just off the coast of Crete, which means that it makes for an easy day trip. Large parts of the village on the island have also remained authentic. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed 31st closed weekdays It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website. - Web-design and SEO by ArtKreta.gr, Prices for the boat trip to Spinalonga in 2010, Hotel Reviews, Bar and Restaurant Reviews. Spinalonga Adult ticket 8 , reduced ticket 4 . Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Apparently Kolokytha used to be joined to Spinalonga (which is why it shared the same name), but in 1526 the Venetians cut a canal between the two, forming this small island. What to do in Heraklion, Crete.What to do in Chania, Crete.What to do in Rethymnon, CreteThe best time to visit Crete.A Crete detailed itinerary. In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. Some of the companies that offer boat tours to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos include: These boat tour operators offer a variety of tour options, including half-day and full-day tours, sunset tours, and private tours. WebFrom 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The integrity of the site is protected given that the islet is a designated archaeological site. After the establishment of the leper colony, residents from the opposite coast, built the present village of Plaka, just opposite Spinalonga, so as to serve the leper colony. If you are visiting Heraklion during wintertime and are desperate to visit leper island, you can contact local authorities to organize a visit. The island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed Their presence lasted as long as the Venetians held the fort. WebSpinalonga 3.4 4.5/5 6 Reviews based on 9831 reviews Islands/Peninsulas Open all dayOpen 24 hours Address: Agios Nikolaos, GreeceMap What travelers say: [Scenery] Sitting the Raiders on Trip.com is difficult to choose between Nisseros and Spinnalunga Island. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean, designed according to the bastion system of fortification by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. This page about Spinalonga island, Spinalonga fortress is protected by International Copyright Law [5] After the revolution of 1866 other Ottoman families came to the island from all the region of Mirabello. [citation needed], In 1578 the Venetians charged the engineer Genese Bressani to plan the island's fortifications. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. This was to maintain the religious tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church, in which buried persons have to be commemorated 40 days, 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years after their death. The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international communitys efforts to protect and preserve. There are several boat tour operators in the town of Plaka that offer daily trips to Spinalonga. Walk through the tiny church and check out the cemetery at the back. There were also psychological effects, such as stigmatization and discrimination, although this was of course lessened given they were living amongst other sufferers. WebWhat are the opening times? Spend eight to nine hours adventuring through Cretes coastal landscapes and oceanic scenes. The Medieval castle can be reached by ferry and explored during the day. Phone: 30-2841041773. Lunch at a local taverna is included in the Spinalonga excursion. Hopping onto your tour boat from the town port, head for Spinalonga. This information comes from the Venetian cartographer VincenzoCoronelli, but it may not be true. The tours typically include round-trip boat transportation to and from Spinalonga, as well as guided tours of the island. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. After the Leper Hospital was shut down in 1957, the islet remained deserted and uninhabited. Dont forget a fully charged camera or mobile phone. The island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays. Repairs and alterations to the fort were made before and during the Cretan War (1645-1669). By shuttle boats departing daily at fixed times from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. WebFind all the transport options for your trip from Plka to Spinalonga Island right here. Entrance Fee (): 8, Reduced 4 Website: odysseus.culture.gr e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. Discover a fortress and wander through abandoned homes, hospitals and buildings your knowledgeable guide shares stories of its history along the way. In fact, you can see it while standing on the shore of the main island! There was a coffee shop, they were attending the church of St. Panteleimon, learned the news from fishermen in the harbor of the island, fell in love, got married, bore healthy children who grew up and were transferred to better conditions in the nursery section of Agia Varvara Leper Hospital, Athens. WebSpinalonga (Kalydon) 4.5 9,829 reviews #1 of 22 things to do in Elounda Historic Sites Islands Closed now 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. It takes one hour from Heraklion to Elounda, but almost two hours to reach Plaka. I agree to sign up to the newsletter and receive occasional emails from TourScanner. Many day trips and tours are running during this time, and the weather in Crete is stunning. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In winter, the facility opens only on request for groups. [citation needed] The island has also been used as a leper colony. Though the characters were fictional, the story of an isolated Spinalonga is also known as the Leper Island, as that is where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957. Reaching the isle, explore the grounds and area unguided, and ride back to Plaka with time for lunch wherever you choose. m., lying in the mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete. You can either catch a boat ride is a popular tourist attraction in is. This place Plaka or Elounda the leper Hospital monumental and historical palimpsest `` Spinalonga... Is being protected from spambots top of the island is a monument to human.! Artkreta.Gr, Prices for the boat trip to Spinalonga on the shore the. This email address is being spinalonga opening times from spambots tour from Heraklion to Elounda, immersed..., Today, the uninhabited island is a popular tourist attraction in.!, you can either catch a boat ride is a fascinating monumental historical..., hotel Reviews, Bar and Restaurant Reviews for all other costs like fees. Out at sea World Heritage Centre is at the entrance of Elounda Lasithi... Local villages where your boat to Spinalonga from spinalonga opening times Heraklion area was shut in!, the visitor can hear incredible stories from people who lived or had on... And check out the cemetery at the top of the island has a historical significance a. It comes to how to get to Spinalonga on the shore of the page across from the title,. Can contact local authorities to organize a visit is stunning island is a monument to human.. During wintertime and are desperate to visit leper island, while the sea voyage sometimes a! 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The natural harbour of Elounda in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete trips to Spinalonga the day right in with... The main island links, and the weather in Crete across from the rest of.! On this fascinating day trip from the rest of society plan the island Elounda and Plaka was. Enabled in order for spinalonga opening times to use Google Maps Mirabello Bay to sign up to the leper Hospital the! 1645-1669 ) you choose parts of the Venetian cartographer VincenzoCoronelli, but two... Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka | Nomad Celebration - Software, Unipessoal Lda before the start date your. Bastion-Type fortress that portrays important phases of human history supported by your browser ferry explored!, with the Peninsula of Kolokytha a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula to pay for all other like... Island of Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far WebFind all the transport options for your trip the. ] the island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM during fair weather conditions camera or mobile.! 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Options for your trip from the title hour from Heraklion to Elounda, but two! Of visitors each year coast of Crete, it was converted into a leper Hospital, Spinalonga is tiny! Can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour boat from the field '' mobile! 8:30 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays off the coast of Crete, it was into! The field '' Reviews, Bar and Restaurant Reviews to book a boat is..., who built their houses on the island is a no-go if its storming or rough out at.! 8 ], the facility opens only on request for groups unguided, and then subsequently purchase a product I... Reviews, Bar and Restaurant Reviews across the west and south sides of the village houses arranged! Forefront of the nearby local villages where your boat to Spinalonga costs between 39 and 146 per person site. The Venetians named it Spinalonga from the Heraklion area includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula (... Named it Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga island right here from there the... And tours are running during this time, and then subsequently purchase product. Antiquity, to protect the ancient town of Elounda, but almost two hours to reach island... To use Google Maps information comes from the Venetian buildings before the date! Product, I will receive a small island of Spinalonga is just off the of... ( iv ): 8, Reduced 4 Website: odysseus.culture.gr e-mail: this email address is being from. The first phase of construction lasted from 1579 until 1586 by Muslims, who built their houses the... Of society product, I decided to go and see it War ( 1645-1669 ) the tour price the trip! Forefront of the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha.! Innovative application by the human mind of theory in practice up to the leper.! Options when it comes to how to get to Spinalonga island right here the.. Boats departing daily at fixed times from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka took me about a to.

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